IBC SOLAR receives TÜV certification for Operation and Maintenance division

IBC SOLAR AG has announced that it has successfully had its integrated management system recertified by TÜV Rheinland. The certificates DIN EN ISO 9001 for quality management, DIN EN ISO 14001 for environmental management and BS OHSAS 18001 for occupational safety and health protection therefore remain valid. The validity of the certificates was also extended to include the growing Operation and Maintenance (O&M) division.

As part of the recertification, TÜV employees evaluated the standard chapter for all three certificates on a random basis and based on specific projects on site for a period of three days. The judgement of the TÜV certifies "a sophisticated management system that meets the requirements of the various types of operation". The inclusion of the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) division reflects both the growing importance of services for existing PV systems and the internationalisation strategy of IBC SOLAR AG.

As part of its project business, IBC SOLAR offers flexible O&M service packages which can be combined according to the individual requirements of the customer and which ensure the maximum profitability of large-scale PV plants. PV systems without a professional O&M agreement have proven to generate yields of almost five percent less compared to systems monitored by experienced service providers. IBC SOLAR offers its comprehensive O&M services including a worldwide performance ratio guarantee for both open space systems with a peak power of more than one megawatt (MWp) and for roof systems with a peak power exceeding 500 kilowatts (kWp). The O&M division is becoming ever more significant as PV installations get older - not only in the German market but also in international markets, where IBC SOLAR is increasingly active as a project developer and EPC service provider.

The auditors who carried out the recertification especially stressed the positive impact of improvements in the logistics sector. Freight routes were made more environmentally friendly by transporting containers by rail. The program to implement health promotion measures for all employees was also assessed positively by TÜV. Here, emphasis was particularly placed on occupational safety and health protection in the international environment. As a result of the ongoing internationalisation strategy of the company, improvements in travel activity and overseas trips were made through an increased number of precautionary examinations and training sessions.